A barrel sample, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon S. L. V. is deep purple-black and just a little reduced at this youthful stage, offering glimpses at crushed blackberries, mulberries and warm cassis notes plus hints of tilled soil, scorched earth, tar and black pepper. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals incredibly provocative and complex layers of black fruits and earthy notions, supported by a rock-solid, grainy texture and plenty of freshness, finishing with great length and depth.

A barrel sample, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon S. L. V. offers up aromas of pepper, spice box, lavender and potpourri with mulberries, black cherries and black berries at the core, plus plum preserves and bay leaves hints. Medium to full-bodied with fine-grained tannins, the palate is firm and earthy with a long, minerally finish.

The 2014s are not yet in bottle. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. Estate-Grown has a dense purple color, a big, sweet kiss of crème de cassis, licorice and spring flowers. It is full-bodied, opulent and not far off the high standard achieved by the 2013. This is a full-bodied, voluptuous wine that should drink beautifully for the next 20-25 years.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary vintage, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Stag’s Leap Vineyard (S.L.V.) Estate-Grown may be one of the all-time great offerings from Stag’s Leap Vineyard. It’s not easy to say after 40 years of achievement, but it is certainly a candidate for one of the finest Stags Leap Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons ever made, particularly under this moniker (We have to exclude the Cask 23 and the Fay Vineyard.) Opulent, with fabulous texture, a dense purple color, great blueberry and blackcurrant fruit with spice and flowers, this is sexy Cabernet Sauvignon that should drink beautifully for another 20 years or more. The balance is sensational.

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. is a paragon of elegance and finesse, yet doesn't cheat the taster on flavor. Dense ruby/purple with round, juicy, earthy black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, underbrush and forest floor, the wine is fragrant, medium to full-bodied, soft, seductive and round. This is a lovely, juicy, pure style of wine to drink over the next 10-15 years.